A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Canaveral vs. San Juan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or San Juan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cape Canaveral or San Juan?

Cape Canaveral

As a part of the region known as the "Space Coast," Cape Canaveral is best known as the home of America's launch pad, the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Center is located just to the west of the city on Merritt Island. Other features of the cape include the Cape Canaveral lighthouse and Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

San Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Canaveral and San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or San Juan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Canaveral


Hotels in San Juan


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
  • Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
  • Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan and Cape Canaveral change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Canaveral $43
    San Juan $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
  • City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Victory Cruises Casino Luxury Transportation: $75
  • Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner: $125
  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.

  • Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
  • Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
  • 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
  • Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
  • Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
  • Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
  • Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
  • Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
  • Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
  • Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
  • Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
  • Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and San Juan, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cape Canaveral is in North America and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or San Juan?

San Juan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and San Juan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan?

Cape Canaveral has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than San Juan. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan in the Autumn?

Both San Juan and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and San Juan. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Cape Canaveral is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Juan. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Juan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as San Juan. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Juan. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)